African Court, English Channel 90d ago

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) has opened its 2026 Judicial Year with a renewed call for African Union Member States to deepen their commitment to justice, ratify the Protocol establishing the Court and fully implement its judgments in good faith, as the Court marks 20 years of protecting human and peoples’ rights across the continent. The ceremony was held under the theme “20 years of service in protecting human and peoples’ rights,” marking the Court’s 20th Anniversary and reflecting on two decades of advancing justice across the continent. The ceremony took place at the Seat of the Court in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania and was graced by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, as the Guest of Honour. The event opened with President Mahama touring an exhibition reflecting on the Court’s 20-year journey highlighting its historical progression, landmark cases and engagement initiatives, development of the new premises of the Court and showcasing the revamped website as well as the Court’s forthcoming e-library platform. In his keynote address, President Mahama opened with a deeply personal reflection on his father’s detention following political upheavals in Ghana. Drawing from his childhood memories, he underscored how injustice affects not only individuals but entire families and communities, shaping his enduring commitment to justice, due process and the rule of law. “Although I stand before you as a Head of State, I remain the child whose father was detained for serving his country and advising its leader. The effects of social injustice and human rights violations extend beyond individuals; they impact entire families and communities.” he said. President Mahama made a strong appeal to African Union Member States that have not yet ratified the Protocol to the African Charter establishing the Court. He urged full cooperation with the Court’s mandate, including implementation of judgments and acceptance of direct access for individuals and NGOs. “I call upon African Union member states who have not yet ratified the Protocol to please do so without delay. I humbly ask all African nations and individuals to respect and implement the Court’s judgements in good faith and to also make the declaration to allow individuals and NGOs direct access to the Court.” he said. President Mahama encouraged African Union Member States to engage confidently with the Court, noting that there is nothing to fear in appearing before it, as a judicial body established to protect human rights. In her remarks, Her Excellency Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, described the Court’s 20th Anniversary as a historic milestone, noting that twenty years of work have translated the promise of justice into real protection for Africans. She stressed that the anniversary must also be a moment of reflection and renewed commitment on how to strengthen the Court’s impact going forward. She further posed critical questions to guide the Court’s future direction and collaboration with Member States: “How can the Court adapt to ensure it remains accessible to the most vulnerable? How can we, as the AUC and Member States, strengthen our collaboration to ensure its judgments are truly transformative?” she asked. On his part, President of the African Court Honourable Justice Blaise Tchikaya highlighted the Court’s growing impact on continental jurisprudence and access to justice, stating that since its establishment in 2006, the Court has handled over 370 cases and has contributed meaningfully to strengthening electoral standards, protecting vulnerable groups and advancing the right to life, dignity and political participation across Africa. He acknowledged that limited ratification and low public awareness continue to hinder broader access to the Court and expressed hope that greater engagement by Member States would enhance its impact. “In twenty years, the Court has strengthened the protection of fundamental rights across Africa and expanded access to justice for many who would otherwise have none. To build on this progress, we need greater ratification of the Protocol, stronger implementation of our judgments and wider public awareness of the Court’s role.” he said. In his goodwill message, Ambassador Willy Nyamitwe, Chairperson of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) of the African Union, observed that in an increasingly uncertain global environment marked by rising conflicts and weakening multilateral systems, Africa must strengthen its own institutions, noting the African Court’s crucial role in upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights across the continent.